Two Ten Jack

Two Ten Jack describes their restaurant as an izakaya, or Japanese-inspired neighborhood pub, but don’t be fooled by the term “pub” – beyond the comfortable atmosphere, the decor, food, and drink offerings do not reflect the casual approach of an American or British style public house. Named for a Japanese trick-taking card game, Two Ten Jack is a suave, contemporary “nouveau cuisine” establishment for foodies and hipsters.

The menu features kodawari ramen, yakitori, and other small plates, and a meticulously curated bar featuring craft beer, wine, original cocktails, sake, and sochu. We tried several yakitori (small skewers of grilled meats or seafood), noodles, and a few other small plates – everything was fabulously delicious and presented like a work of art.

The bar offers sixteen beers on tap. Local breweries are represented by ales from Black Abbey, Fat Bottom, and Jackalope; there are offerings from nine other American craft breweries, and three beers from Japan: Kirin Ichiban, and two beers from Kiuchi, one of Japan’s most prestigious breweries.

All the beers were delicious. My favorite was the saison from Brooklyn Brewery. I am currently researching saisons as I plan to brew one in the next month, and I’m really enjoying trying each one I find. Sorachi Ace is a Belgian Farmhouse Style Ale brewed with a single rare hop varietal originally developed in Japan and now grown only on one farm in Washington. Try this ale if you can find it! Perfectly balanced, with a sunny, citrusy palate and a slight pepper aftertaste.

The witbier from Kiuchi was mild, creamy, subtle, and refreshing. The other two ales I have had before: West Coast IPA from Green Flash is bright and intense, a stellar example of the American IPA style, and 13 Rebels ESB from Ashville’s French Broad Brewing (named after a river, not a woman), although named for the original 13 American colonies, is very similar in profile to Fuller’s ESB from across the pond, a beer I have tried to profile in my home brewery. It was a very satisfying beer to end a terrific Saturday night out.

Lines on Ale (1848)

Fill with mingled cream and amber
I will drain that glass again.
Such hilarious visions clamber
Through the chamber of my brain -
Quantest thoughts - queerest fancies
Come to life and fade away;
What care I how time advances?
I am drinking ale today.